An explanation of the differences between église, temple, and cathédrale in French, including their meanings, religious contexts, and usage.
In French, there are several words for religious buildings—église, temple, and cathédrale—each with its own specific meaning and context. Understanding the difference helps you use the right word based on the type of building and the religious tradition it belongs to.
- Église = church (general Christian place of worship, usually Catholic)
- Temple = temple or Protestant church (used mainly for non-Catholic Christian worship)
- Cathédrale = cathedral (a large church that is the seat of a bishop)
Église
Église* is the most common word for "church" in French. It usually refers to any Christian place of worship, especially Catholic churches found in towns and villages.
- Comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning "assembly" or "church"
- Typically used for Catholic churches but can refer to any Christian church
- Can vary from small chapels to large parish churches
Temple
Temple* refers to places of worship for Protestant Christians in France, as well as temples for other religions (e.g., Hindu or Buddhist temples). In the French Christian context, it usually means a Protestant church.
- Used for Protestant churches to distinguish them from églises (Catholic)
- Also applies to non-Christian places of worship called "temples"
- Less common than église in everyday French, unless specifying Protestant worship
Cathédrale
Cathédrale* means "cathedral," a special type of church that is the seat of a bishop. Cathedrals are usually large and architecturally impressive.
- Comes from Latin cathedra meaning "seat" (of the bishop)
- Always Christian (usually Catholic in France)
- Signifies the principal church of a diocese or region
What is the French word for 'cathedral'?
cathédrale
The correct French term for 'cathedral' is 'cathédrale'.
Are all large churches in France called 'cathédrales'?
No, only those that are the bishop's seat are called cathédrales
Size alone does not make a church a 'cathédrale'; it must serve as the seat of a bishop.
Summary
| French Term | English Meaning | Religious Context | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Église | Church | General Christian, usually Catholic | Je vais à l’église ce dimanche.* (I’m going to church this Sunday.) |
| Temple | Temple / Protestant Church | Protestant Christian or other religions | Le temple est ouvert aux visiteurs.* (The temple is open to visitors.) |
| Cathédrale | Cathedral | Seat of a bishop, usually Catholic | La cathédrale de Strasbourg est magnifique.* (The Strasbourg cathedral is magnificent.) |
Understanding these distinctions will help you describe religious buildings accurately in French.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Religious Context: General Christian, usually Catholic
- Usage Example: Je vais à l’église ce dimanche. (I’m going to church this Sunday.)
- English Meaning: Church
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
